One and Only

The One And Only Preseason Scrimmage

Last night the Rams finally kicked off their 2021 season with their one and only scrimmage against Livingston High School at Aspen. The first period saw the Rams dominating in shots on goal 9 to 3. Rams senior goaltender, Joey Yutsus, did not face his first shot until 4 minutes left in the period during a Livingston power play.

The second period saw both sides pick up the pace and the Rams broke through with 14:42 left in the period. Luke Spagnuolo scoring the first goal of the game and a little over a minute later Andrew Iglar scored for the Rams, now up 2 goals. With 6 minutes left in the second, Livingston broke through with a shot from the point that was deflected in front to score. The second period ended with the Rams up 2 to 1, but Livingston had a shots on goal advantage 21 to the Rams 14.

After the second period the Rams made a goalie change and sophomore Connor Thomas gets the net to begin the third. Joey Yutsus faced 21 shots and had 20 saves in 2 periods. Livingston continued their assault, breaking through at 10:52 left in the third to tie the score 2 to 2. The Rams recovered a minute later with Scott Kudriza scoring for a 3 to 2 lead.

Then Livingston hit for two goals in 49 seconds to pull ahead 4 to 3. Yes, it was only a scrimmage, but the Rams do not like losing and with 2:28 remaining, Zach Gallo scored to tie. The scrimmage ended 4 to 4.

The game was broadcast live on the internet and the only audio was the sound of skates and sticks on the ice and the players and coaches shouts and the banging of the bench by the players recognizing a solid hit, good skating and puck handling, and a save or a score. So it was a pure sports environment with no fan reaction. And chances are this will be what the entire season will be like, since it is only until early March.

Let’s still watch the game and grab a snack and a drink and support the boys in blue and white all season.

The entire state of New Jersey will initiate this years high school ice hockey competition on Friday January 15th.

The Rams are scheduled to play Morris Knoll Saturday at 6:15pm at Mennen. Go Rams!

The record of the Rams the last three seasons:
2017 – 2018: 22-2-3 (wins – draws – losses)
2018 – 2019: 21-5-2
2019 – 2020: 21-3-4

In all three seasons, the Rams made it to the state finals losing to Northern Highlands 0-1 in 2018 and Ridge 1-4 in 2019, and winning in a repeat title challenge against Ridge in overtime 3-2 in 2020. The 2020 title marked the Rams’ ninth state title (the third most successful high school ice hockey program in New Jersey). Since 1999, the Rams have competed for the title 16 times with a 9 wins and 7 losses record.

During normal times, this would be a tough act to follow. But these are not normal times (an understatement) and we must recognize those who are trying to give our athletes a chance to play the game they all love for their schools. We all hope that all involved will be cautious and safe.

The health and well being of everyone involved is primary. The season is currently scheduled for only 8 games against the four other schools in the Mennen Division of the MCSSIHL: Chatham, Morris Knolls, Morristown, and Morristown- Beard.

And so, this Rams fan would like to thank the coaching staff: coach Rich McLaughlin and Kyle Krannich, Connor Ryan, and Michael Valvano, and again, please Stay Safe!

Recognition: Brian Bobel the staff writer from NJ Advance Media for NJ.com listed his skaters to watch in the MCSSIHL this season. Ben Yurchuk was highlighted. Ben is our forward who made the unforgettable assist to JT Zangara, last season’s captain, whose hat trick helped win the ninth state title or Randolph High School. Brian Bobel’s comments were: “Randolph was hit hard with turnover, losing a total of 16 players from its state title winning squad last winter. Yurchuk is one of the top returners having scored 15 goals and 27 assists as a freshman.”

GO BEN!!! GO RAMS!!!